NJ Form DO-21A: Authorize Release of Personal Info

NJ Form DO-21A: Authorize Release of Personal Info – New Jersey residents, employers, attorneys, insurance companies, and other authorized parties frequently need access to personal motor vehicle records held by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Because of strict privacy protections under state and federal law, the MVC will not release certain personal information about a driver without proper authorization. Form DO-21A is the official document that provides that authorization.

This comprehensive guide explains what Form DO-21A is, when you need it, how to complete it correctly, and where to obtain the current official version. All information is based on official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission resources and the New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act.

What Is New Jersey Form DO-21A?

Form DO-21A is the official Notarized Authorization to Release Personal Motor Vehicle Information issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The current revision is DO-21A (R10/19).

The form allows an individual (the “Grantor”) to give written, notarized permission for a second party (the “Recipient”) to receive the Grantor’s personal driver history record and any other motor vehicle information the MVC deems appropriate for release under the New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act, N.J.S.A. 39:2-3.3 et seq.

You can download the official free PDF directly from the New Jersey MVC website here: https://www.nj.gov/mvc/pdf/vehicles/DO-21A.pdf.

Legal Basis: New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act

The New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act (N.J.S.A. 39:2-3.3 et seq.) strictly limits the disclosure of personal information contained in motor vehicle records. “Personal information” includes an individual’s photograph, Social Security number, driver identification number, name, address (other than the five-digit ZIP code), telephone number, and medical or disability information. It does not include information about vehicular accidents, driving violations, or driver’s status.

Under N.J.S.A. 39:2-3.4(c)(10), one of the permitted uses for releasing personal information is: “For use by any requester, if the requester demonstrates it has obtained the notarized written consent of the individual to whom the information pertains.” Form DO-21A is the document the MVC accepts as that notarized written consent.

When Is Form DO-21A Required?

You must submit a completed and notarized Form DO-21A in the following common situations:

• When requesting another person’s driver history abstract using Form DO-21 and selecting permitted use #10 (notarized written consent of the individual).
• When a representative or third party seeks restoration requirements for another driver’s privileges (Form DRM-21 or DRM-21A must be accompanied by a DO-21A for each individual).
• Any other second-party request for personal motor vehicle information that does not fall under another permitted use listed on Form DO-21 (government agency, insurance claims investigation, court proceedings, employer CDL verification, etc.).

If you are requesting your own records, Form DO-21A is not needed. You may order your own abstract online or by mail using only Form DO-21.

How to Complete Form DO-21A Step by Step?

The form is short but must be filled out completely and accurately. Follow these steps:

1. Name of Grantor – Print the full legal name of the person whose records are being released.
2. Name of Recipient – Print the full name of the individual or organization authorized to receive the information. This name appears twice on the form for clarity.
3. Signature of Grantor – The Grantor must sign in the presence of a notary or licensed attorney.
4. Driver’s License Number of Grantor – Enter the New Jersey driver’s license number (or non-driver ID number if applicable).
5. Street Address, City, State, ZIP Code – Provide the Grantor’s current residential address.
6. Date – Date of signature.
7. Notary or Attorney Acknowledgment – The notary public or licensed attorney at law must complete the acknowledgment section, including the date, county, state, commission expiration, and official seal.

Critical note from the MVC: “THIS FORM WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS IT IS ACKNOWLEDGED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC OR LICENSED ATTORNEY AT LAW.”

Notarization Requirements

Form DO-21A must be notarized. Acceptable acknowledgments are limited to:

• A New Jersey Notary Public, or
• A licensed attorney at law (in any U.S. jurisdiction).

The notary or attorney must witness the Grantor’s signature and complete the bottom section of the form. An incomplete or improperly notarized form will be rejected by the MVC Abstract Unit.

How to Submit Form DO-21A with a Records Request?

Form DO-21A is almost always submitted together with Form DO-21 (Driver History Abstract Application Request). Mail the completed package to:

New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Abstract Unit
225 East State Street
P.O. Box 142
Trenton, NJ 08666-0142

Include:

• Completed Form DO-21
• Completed and notarized Form DO-21A
• Photocopy of the requestor’s government-issued photo ID
• Check or money order payable to “New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission” for the applicable fee (currently $15 for most certified abstracts)

Processing times for mail requests are typically 3–4 weeks. Online requests for one’s own abstract are available through the official MVC portal and are much faster.

Related Forms and Official Resources

• Form DO-21 – Driver History Abstract Application Request
• Official NJ MVC Forms Page
• Driver History Abstract Information
• New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act Summary

Important Tips for Successful Submission

• Use the most current version of Form DO-21A (R10/19). Older versions may be rejected.
• Print clearly in black or blue ink. Incomplete or illegible forms are returned.
• Make sure the Recipient’s name matches exactly on both the DO-21A and the DO-21 request form.
• Keep a copy of the notarized form for your records.
• If you are an employer, attorney, or insurance representative, double-check that the purpose of the request is correctly identified on Form DO-21. Using the wrong permitted-use number can delay or deny the request even with a valid DO-21A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Form DO-21A for medical records or other non-MVC information?
No. Form DO-21A is specific to personal motor vehicle information held by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Does the form expire?
The form itself does not list an expiration date, but the MVC may require a recently dated authorization (typically within a reasonable time of the request).

Can a power of attorney replace Form DO-21A?
No. The MVC specifically requires Form DO-21A (or an equivalent notarized written consent) for this purpose.

Where can I get the form notarized?
Most banks, shipping stores (UPS, FedEx), libraries, and private notaries offer notary services. Attorneys can also acknowledge the form.

Conclusion

New Jersey Form DO-21A is a critical privacy-protection document that balances an individual’s right to control their personal motor vehicle information with the legitimate needs of authorized third parties. By completing the form accurately, having it properly notarized, and submitting it with the correct accompanying request forms, you can obtain the records you need while remaining fully compliant with the New Jersey Drivers’ Privacy Protection Act.

Always download the official form from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website to ensure you are using the current version: Download Form DO-21A (PDF).

For the latest information, visit the official New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission website or contact the Abstract Unit at the address listed above.